UK in the dock over health and safety legislation
The EU Commission is challenging the UK’s Health and Safety at Work Act, arguing it doesn’t fully comply with EU law. The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health warns that if the EU wins, the UK would have to treat all risks equally, including trivial ones, effectively reversing 40 years of progress in health and safety regulation.
HR scores a ‘valley’ good success
The Welsh Assembly’s updated HR policies and management focus on sickness absence have delivered significant results, reducing average staff absence from ten to eight days annually—a £1.1 million productivity gain. The improvements include better monitoring, new management procedures, occupational health support, and an incoming electronic HR system, though further refinements are recommended.
What’s the answer? Rates of pay for shifts
Employees covering higher-paid shifts may be entitled to that shift’s rate of pay if nothing was agreed beforehand, though employment law experts advise clarifying payment terms in advance to avoid disputes and maintain employee relations.
Jobless figures: Up or down?
UK jobless figures show conflicting trends: claims for Jobseekers’ Allowance fell by 3,900, but ILO unemployment rose 280,000 over the past year to 1.7 million. Employment reached record levels at 28.98 million, while job vacancies remained high at over 608,000.
Age regulations: 86 per cent of employers not ready
A new survey reveals that 86 percent of employers are unprepared for incoming age discrimination regulations, with most citing overly complicated rules. The regulations represent a significant change to employment law that could expose unprepared businesses to tribunal claims.
Boost your bottom line – engage your employees
Research shows highly engaged employees deliver a 52% financial performance advantage over disengaged workforces. Companies with high employee engagement improved operating income by 19.2% annually, while low-engagement companies saw a 32.7% decline, significantly impacting bottom-line results.
Company of the week: AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca introduced a flexible benefits scheme designed around employee needs, offering options like pension contributions, private medical insurance, childcare vouchers, and travel insurance. The program achieved high engagement rates, with over 40% of staff utilizing travel insurance and 25% choosing private medical coverage.
Fighting the fraudulent sickie. By Sarah Fletcher
Discover strategies for combating fraudulent sick leave, which costs the UK economy £13 billion annually through false illness claims. Sarah Fletcher explores approaches like “duvet days” and their effectiveness in reducing suspicious absences while maintaining workforce trust and productivity.
Unions going too far, warns CBI
The CBI warns the government against accepting union calls for new collective bargaining rights on pensions and training, arguing employers already consult employees on these issues through existing voluntary practices and statutory requirements.
Will new legislation really change the way businesses approach age discrimination?
New UK legislation banning age discrimination in recruitment takes effect October 1st, 2006, prohibiting employers from requesting applicants’ ages or using terms like “young” and “energetic” in job ads. The laws aim to address widespread age bias, with research showing age as the most common discrimination grounds in the UK, affecting nearly 30% of workers.
HR Tip: Racially based nicknames
Nicknames based on race or nationality may constitute harassment, even if unintended. Always ask employees what they prefer to be called and respect their preference to avoid creating a hostile work environment.
Government delays part of age discrimination legislation
The Government has delayed pension-related provisions of new age discrimination legislation by two months, to December 1, to allow employers and pension schemes additional time to prepare for implementation. The remainder of the regulations will proceed as scheduled on October 1.
CIPD warn Blair’s successor to avoid employment ‘quick fixes’
The CIPD’s chief economist warns Tony Blair’s successor against pursuing “quick fixes” to workplace issues, urging them to continue the government’s gradualist approach to employment policy that has improved job quality and reduced working hours.
Any Answers: Managing lateness
Discover practical strategies for managing employee lateness in the workplace. Expert advice covers essential policies, attendance tracking systems, and management techniques that promote good timekeeping while maintaining employee morale and organizational efficiency.
Employee references: What’s the value? By Annie Hayes
Employee references have limited value in screening candidates, with roughly two-thirds of CVs containing inaccuracies. While employers can verify basic facts like employment dates and job titles, character references are increasingly rare due to legal concerns. Experts suggest references are most useful for confirming factual information rather than assessing candidate quality.
Psychometrics spotlight: The Thomas-Kilmann conflict mode instrument
The Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument helps individuals understand their personal conflict-handling style across five approaches: competing, accommodating, avoiding, collaborating, and compromising. Each mode is useful in different situations, and recognizing your preferred style can help you choose more effective conflict resolution strategies.
Year-long wait for Natwest Three trial
The three former British bankers known as the Natwest Three will face trial in September 2007 on fraud charges linked to collapsed energy firm Enron. A Houston judge rejected their request for a February trial date, allowing 12 months for case preparation.
UK ‘breaking EU rest break laws’
The UK breached European Working Time Directive regulations by failing to ensure workers received mandatory rest breaks, the European Court of Justice ruled. Government guidance incorrectly told employers they only need to offer rest opportunities rather than guarantee workers actually take them, undermining the directive’s protections.
What’s the answer? Sickness absence
When an employee is unfit to perform their job but refuses sick leave, employers can request they go home and may pursue disciplinary action if the employee continues to refuse. Medical suspensions are limited to specific health and safety circumstances, though occupational health assessments can help determine fitness for work.
Sexism at work on the increase
Workplace sexism has increased significantly, with 72 percent of women reporting gender-based bullying at work, according to a survey by legal services company Peninsula. The percentage of women feeling bullied rose from 67 percent in 2002 to 72 percent in 2006, while only 8 percent would report incidents to their employer.
